Governor McAuliffe Announces 75 New Jobs in the City of Hampton

Alcoa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Alcoa to make $25 million technology investment ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced in Hampton today that Alcoa Power and Propulsion, a business unit of Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA) and a global leader in superalloy airfoil and titanium and aluminum structural investment castings, will invest $25 million in its operation in the City of Hampton, which will create 75 new jobs. Through the investment, Alcoa will scale-up a breakthrough process technology that cuts the weight of its highest-volume jet engine blades by 20 percent and significantly improves aerodynamic performance.

Speaking at today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Alcoa has been a solid corporate institution in Hampton for 40 years, and this major investment in new technology will ensure the longevity of its operation for decades to come. Advanced manufacturing is thriving in Virginia, and expansions like this help to diversify our economy and grow jobs of the 21^st century. This project is a great testament to Alcoa’s commitment to Virginia, and the advantages of the Commonwealth’s top-rate business environment that helps valued global companies succeed.”

“Alcoa is a major employer in Hampton, and this tremendous expansion will add at least 75 new jobs paying well above the prevailing average annual wage,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company has maintained its operation in Hampton for 40 years, despite economic changes over the decades, and we are proud to boast this significant corporate partner to the Commonwealth on our roster.”

Alcoa Power and Propulsion serves the aerospace, defense, energy and industrial markets, and its products are primarily used in jet engines and industrial gas turbines. Additional value-added products and services include hot isostatic pressing, specialty coatings, research and development, supply chain management, specialty tools, molds, and machinery. With 25 production facilities, Alcoa Power and Propulsion employs approximately 8,500 people worldwide.

A global leader in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing, Alcoa innovates multi-material solutions that advance our world. Its technologies enhance transportation, from automotive and commercial transport to air and space travel, and improve industrial and consumer electronics products. The company enables smart buildings, sustainable food and beverage packaging, high-performance defense vehicles across air, land and sea, deeper oil and gas drilling and more efficient power generation. Alcoa pioneered the aluminum industry over 125 years ago, and today, its 60,000 people in 30 countries deliver value-add products made of titanium, nickel and aluminum, and produce best-in-class bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum products.

“We are deploying a state-of-the-art technology that will significantly improve the performance of some of the best-selling jet engines in the world,” said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld. “This technology and investment further demonstrate how Alcoa is executing on our strategy to aggressively capture demand in the fast-growing aerospace market.”

Commenting further on the expansion, Mike Pepper, President of Alcoa Power and Propulsion said, “Alcoa’s investment in Hampton builds on a positive, 40-year track record, and reinforces our on-going, collaborative relationship with both the Commonwealth and the City of Hampton.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Hampton to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Hampton with the project. The Governor also approved a $450,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company is eligible to participate in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s training and retraining activities

"Alcoa has been a longtime anchor employer in the City of Hampton. I am extremely pleased that Alcoa chose to expand in Hampton by adding a new advanced manufacturing product line that will generate high-paying jobs,” said Hampton Mayor George Wallace. “Hampton is an excellent city for new and expanding businesses. We are proud of our highly skilled workforce, friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools and quality of life that is incomparable."

Related articles

• Hampton Roads Leaders Applaud Governor McAuliffe
• Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, USDA Officials, Hampton Roads Leaders Kick Off Summer Meals Service
• Governor McAuliffe Announces June as Business Appreciation Month
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on the Passing of Raymond H. Boone
• Governor McAuliffe Welcomes Air China Inaugural Nonstop Flight at Washington Dulles Airport
• Governor McAuliffe Signs Agreement to Help End Veteran Homelessness

Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia’s Grant Award for Veterans’ Job Training

Injuries incurred by service members are covered by the Veteran Administration. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Virginia’s Community Colleges to Provide Education and Training Opportunities to Help Veterans Succeed

RICHMOND- Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today Virginia’s award of over $3.4 million from the United States Department of Labor.  The grant award will provide veterans with community college credits for their past military service and training, coursework to obtain additional skills and credentials, and mentors at the community colleges to help veterans navigate through higher education, including admissions and financial aid.

“Virginia’s Community Colleges are honored to have been selected by the United States Department of Labor to receive funds that will provide short and long-term benefits to Virginia’s veterans,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “This grant will enable veterans to gain additional skills and credentials to position them for jobs and careers through which they can support a family.”

Funds will also focus on helping Virginia businesses connect with qualified, job-seeking veterans. A program will be established to maintain strategic relationships with employers in Virginia’s three fastest-growing sectors: healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

The federal funding comes as Virginia’s veteran population is growing. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the commonwealth will be home to nearly 850,000 veterans by the year 2017, ranking it 5^th in the nation in terms of veteran population.  Virginia ranks 7^th in that category today.

Assisting veterans with job training through Virginia’s Community Colleges is a well-suited match. In the 2012-13 academic year, a record-setting 40,827 students with military status enrolled in a Virginia community college, including active duty service members, reservists, retirees, and veteran spouses and dependents. 

 “As we commemorate Flag Day this month, I can think of no greater action than to assist those who have defended that flag to reestablish their lives at home and get back to work,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Over the life of this funding, Virginia’s Community Colleges will work with state partners through a steering committee to ensure strong results. The Governor will call upon representatives from the Virginia Employment Commission, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade’s Office, and the Department of Veterans Services and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to assist with the initiative.

To learn more about career opportunities for veterans, please visit the Workforce Development Departments at Virginia’s 23 Community Colleges.

About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Created more than 40 years ago, the VCCS is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than a quarter-million credit students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Signs Agreement to Help End Veteran Homelessness
• Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order to Establish the Virginia Energy Council
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Appointments to Virginia College and University Boards of Visitors
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Decrease in Homelessness
• Governor Mcauliffe Statement on In-State Tuition for Virginia DREAMers
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Selection of Virginia for School Broadband Pricing

Governor McAuliffe celebrates signing of New Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement

Map of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor McAuliffe joined the Governors and other high officials from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed states, the District of Columbia and the federal governments in signing the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement today in Annapolis, Maryland.

The Agreement, developed over the last two years, lays out clear goals and outcomes for sustainable fisheries, vital habitats, water quality, toxic contaminants, healthy watersheds, stewardship, land conservation, public access, environmental literacy, and resiliency of the Bay ecosystem in the face of changing climatic conditions and rising sea levels.

“We have made great progress in meeting our bay restoration goals over the last 30 years” said Governor McAuliffe, “however, there is always more to do and the pace of implementation must be accelerated.  This historic agreement lays out a path for improved science and policy, greater partnerships with citizens and stakeholders and allows for the flexibility necessary to make measurable improvements to a large and complex ecosystem.”

This is the 4^th Chesapeake Bay Agreement signed since 1983, and the first to include full participation by the states of Delaware, New York and West Virginia who join the original signatories of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

For more information about the signing of this historic Agreement visit:

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/about/ecmeeting/2014_executive_council_meeting

Our Notes:  Good luck.  We have been saying that the vast majority of the problems are not from the state of Virginia for years.  But we keep getting stuck with the majority of the problems and costs.  The below linked stories confirm what we have already been saying.

Related articles

• Study faults Pennsylvania on Chesapeake cleanup
• Study: States short on some Chesapeake Bay goals
• Progress on bay still not enough
• Challenge to Chesapeake cleanup tests EPA power
• Governor McAuliffe Welcomes Air China Inaugural Nonstop Flight at Washington Dulles Airport
• Governor McAuliffe's Changes to Restoration of Rights Policy Receives Resounding Support

Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

English: Map of regions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Secretariat of Public Safety and Homeland Security

Curtis Brown, Chief Deputy State Coordinator, Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Curtis Brown has homeland security and emergency management policy experience at the federal, state, and local levels.  Most recently, he served as the Emergency Management Administrator for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), where he worked with federal, state, and local homeland security and emergency management officials to promote seamless coordination, build capabilities, and develop preparedness plans.  Prior to joining the HRPDC, Curtis served as Professional Staff on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, where he was responsible for oversight of several Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency initiatives, including emergency communications, preparedness grants, and homeland defense.  Additionally, he served as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Tim Kaine in the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness with responsibility for developing emergency preparedness policies for state agencies.  Curtis received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Radford University, his Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech, and his Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University.  He is also a graduate of the Virginia Executive and Commonwealth Management Institutes.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board of Conservation and Recreation

·       Patti Jackson of Mechanicsville, Senior Director, Partner Relationships, American Cancer Society

·       Andrew C. Jennison of Vienna, Deputy Director, Governmental Relations, H&R Block

·       Isaac J. Sarver of Dublin, Western Virginia Political Director, Mark Warner for Virginia

Board of Directors of the Virginia Resources Authority

·       Thomas L. Hasty, III, CRP* of Chesapeake, Senior Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Risk Management Committee, TowneBank

Board of Medicine

·       J. Randolph Clements, DPM of Roanoke, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Carilion Clinic,  Associate Professor of Surgery, Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine, Residency Director, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

·       Maxine Lee, M.D. of Roanoke, Staff Anesthesiologist, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke Ambulatory Surgery Center, Past Vice President for Medical Affairs, Carilion Medical Center

Cemetery Board

·       Enid Butler of Williamsburg, Adjunct Professor, VCU Department of Gerontology

·       Armistead W. Dudley of Norfolk, Bureau Manager of Cemeteries, City of Norfolk

Small Business Commission

·       E. Dana Dickens, III, of Suffolk, Realtor, William E. Wood

·       Paul A. Miller of Clifton, CEO, Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, LLC

·       Atif M. Qarni of Manassas, Mathematics Teacher, Prince William County Public Schools

Small Business Financing Authority

·       Nicholas T. Jordon of Arlington, Owner, Capitol Bridge Holdings

·       Gail L. Letts of Midlothian, Chief Lending Officer, Richmond Region President, Head of Commercial Banking, C&F Bank

State Child Fatality Review Team

·       Jessica T. Pickett of Stafford, EMS Technician, Firefighter/Medic, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

Virginia Aviation Board

·       Derek M. “Dak” Hardwick of Alexandria, Director for International Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association

·       Daniel G. “Bud” Oakey of Henrico, Chairman and Managing Director, Advantus Strategies, L.L.C.

Virginia Energy Council

·       The Honorable Maurice Jones of Richmond, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Commonwealth of Virginia

·       The Honorable Molly Ward of Richmond, Secretary of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia

·       Cynthia Adams of Charlottesville, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)

·       Kristen Hughes Evans of Richmond, Founder, Sustainable Chesapeake

·       Alleyn Harned of Harrisonburg, Executive Director, Virginia Clean Cities

·       Chelsea Harnish of Richmond, Policy & Campaigns Manager, Virginia Conservation Network

·       Francis Hodsoll of Reston, Founder, Virginia Advanced Energy Industries Coalition

·       Steven Jumper of the District of Columbia, Director, Corporate Public Policy, WGL Holdings, Inc.

·       Irene Kowalczyk of New York City, Director, Global Energy Sourcing & Policy, MeadWestvaco

·       Vishwa Link of Richmond, Partner, McGuire Woods

·       Bernard Lamoureux of Boydton, Data Center Operations Manager, Microsoft

·       David Lawson of Norfolk, Vice President, Coal, Norfolk Southern Corporation

·       Robert Matthias of Virginia Beach, Chair, Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority

·       Ann Blair Miller of Roanoke, Director, Project Management, Roanoke Regional Partnership

·       Laurie Moran of Danville, President, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce

·       Dr. Ganapati Myneni of Yorktown, Senior Scientist, Jefferson Labs

·       Dr. Kenneth Newbold of Harrisonburg, Director of Research and Innovation, James Madison University

·       Archie Pugh of Roanoke, Managing Director, Transmission, Appalachian Power Company

·       Donald Ratliff of Big Stone Gap, VP States – Government Affairs, Alpha Natural Resources

·       Jack Reasor of Glen Allen, President & CEO, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC)

·       Sandy Reisky of Charlottesville, Chief Executive Officer, Apex Clean Energy

·       Stephen Walz of Fairfax, Director, Environmental Programs, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

·       Mike Ward of Richmond, Executive Director, Virginia Petroleum Council

·       Dan Weekley of Richmond, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Dominion Resources

Virginia Horse Industry Board

·       David Lamb* of Gordonsville, Owner, Oakland Heights Farm

·       Harold C. McKenzie, III, DVM, MS, DACVIM* of Blacksburg, Associate Professor of Large Animal Medicine, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

*Indicates reappointment

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Leadership and First Meeting of Railroad Safety and Security Task Force
• Governor McAuliffe Announces June as Business Appreciation Month
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on Lynchburg Train Derailment
• Governor McAuliffe Marks 100 Days of His Administration, Launches 100Days.Virginia.gov
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Leadership and First Meeting of Railroad Safety
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Personnel Transition at Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

General Fund Revenue Collections Declined by 20.7% in May – The Biggest One Month Decline in 13 Years

This image depicts the total tax revenue (not adjusted for inflation) for the U.S. federal government from 1980 to 2009 compared to the amount of revenue coming from individual income taxes. The data comes from the Office of Management and Budget's record of the 'Budget of the US Government FY 2011', specifically the 'Historical Tables, Table 2.1.' The information is also here. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Significant Decline Occurred in Individual Income Tax Payments

RICHMOND- Governor McAuliffe announced today that general fund revenue collections decreased by 20.7 percent in May, with large declines in individual nonwithholding, the corporate income tax, and the tax on wills, suits, deeds, and contracts (recordation tax).  On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections were down 1.6 percent through May, behind the annual forecast of 1.0 percent growth. 

Speaking about this news, Governor McAuliffe noted that “May is a significant month for general fund revenue collections since individual income tax returns for income earned in 2013 are due May 1.  A significant amount of May’s collections are also from upper income individuals where a significant portion of their income is based on capital gains.  It now appears that the uncertainty of federal tax policy resulting Fiscal Cliff in December 2012/January 2013 shifted more capital gains from 2013 into 2012 than expected, lowering the amount of capital gains that would otherwise be realized in 2013.  Accordingly, Virginia like many other states that have income taxes are now seeing declining revenues from capital gains.” 

As for other sources of revenue, collections of payroll withholding taxes fell 5.4 percent in May, due to one less deposit day compared with May 2013.  Corporate income tax collections decreased by  33.2 percent from last year.  Collections of sales and use taxes, reflecting April sales, fell 1.6 percent in May. Finally, recordation taxes from real estate transactions were down 27.3 percent as home sales and refinancing activity remained weak. 

On a year-to-date basis, collections of payroll withholding taxes – 63 percent of General Fund revenues -- increased 2.5 percent, behind the annual forecast of 2.9 percent growth.  Sales tax collections - 18 percent of General Fund revenues – have declined 4.5 percent through May, trailing the annual forecast calling for a 4.4 percent decline.  Adjusting for the accelerated sales tax program and the tax policy changes, included in last year’s transportation funding legislation, total revenues are down 0.6 percent through May, behind the adjusted forecast of 2.1 percent growth. 

Related articles

• General Fund Revenue Collections Increased 10.0% in April
• General Fund Revenue Collections Increased 7.8% in March
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Revenue Collections Declined 3.4% in February
• Virginia Posts 0.8% Revenue Increase in December
• Governor Announces Mid-Session Revenue Reduction of $140 Million
• Virginia Posts 2.6% Revenue Increase in September

Governor McAuliffe Kicks Off Inaugural Meeting of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission

Richard A. Clarke (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

FAIRFAX –  Governor McAuliffe kicked off the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission, a group established by executive order which will bring public and private sector experts together to make recommendations on how to make Virginia a leader in cyber security. Speaking to the Commission’s 17 members at George Mason University, Governor McAuliffe emphasized the urgency of growing Virginia’s cyber industry to both enhance the Commonwealth’s security capabilities and expand economic opportunity.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome Chair Richard A. Clarke, and all the members of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission, to this exciting and groundbreaking first meeting. As Governor, I must address the challenge of securing and protecting our citizens and economy. But I also see cyber security efforts as an opportunity – to build upon our vast cyber and military assets that we have in the Commonwealth to drive economic development."

Governor McAuliffe's message was echoed by Cyber Security Commission Co-Chair Richard A. Clarke:

"I am extremely honored to serve as Co-Chair of this commission and excited to work with everyone here to make Virginia the driving engine behind cyber security innovation and economic development, and to establish the Commonwealth's leadership in this field as a model for the nation."

Today’s meeting agenda included official administering of the oath of office for the commission members, briefings from cyber industry leaders, and in-depth discussions on the current state of Virginia’s burgeoning cyber industry. The Commission’s members agreed to break out into working groups to better tackle the many layers and aspects that fall under the broad umbrella of cyber security. The focuses of these subgroups will include: modernizing infrastructure, driving economic growth, strengthening education and workforce development, and promoting improved cyber hygiene.

Governor McAuliffe established the Cyber Security Commission in February through Executive Order (EO8). The commission is co-chaired by Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson and Richard A. Clarke, who served as senior White House adviser on national security to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton. The Cyber Security Commission's 17 members include cabinet officials from Governor McAuliffe's administration, cyber security business leaders, and academic researchers.  

More information can be found on the Commission’s website: http://cyberva.virginia.gov/.

Release on Executive Order (EO8)

Release on appointees to Virginia Cyber Security Commission   

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Names Members of Virginia Cyber Security Commission
• Governor McAuliffe Welcomes Air China Inaugural Nonstop Flight at Washington Dulles Airport
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Leadership and First Meeting of Railroad Safety and Security Task Force
• Governor McAuliffe Announces June as Business Appreciation Month
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Decrease in Homelessness
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Leadership and First Meeting of Railroad Safety